Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis (St. Thomas Service)
SATB and Organ. BSM0035.
Duration: 12:00
English Text. Traditional.
Commissioned by St. Thomas Episcopal Cincinnati, Parish Choir.
Carlton Monroe, conductor.
Description
Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis (St. Thomas Service) was commissioned and premiered in 2013 by Dr. Carlton Monroe and the St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Choir in Cincinnati, OH where Douglas is composer-in-residence. This work features long, lyrical melodies in a mostly polyphonic texture with robust organ accompaniment. The 'Magnificat' depicts a sense of exuberance during what have must been at the same time overwhelming and extremely exciting time for the young virgin who had been visited by the Angel Gabriel and informed that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ. The 'Nunc Dimittis' portrays the calm and steady faith of old Simeon and his awe and final fulfillment upon seeing the baby Jesus at the end of a long life of waiting. The 'Gloria Patri' at the end of both sections of this work is grand and lyrical with soaring vocal lines and emotive harmonies.
